Many of us don’t notice the early signs of hearing loss because we slowly adjust to the change. By the time we realize what’s happening, we may have already lost the full appreciation of sounds and music we once enjoyed.
The first step in treating hearing loss is to recognize its most common signs. If you experience some of the following symptoms, contact your family doctor or hearing health care professional and have your hearing tested.
- It sounds to you as though people are mumbling or speaking more softly than they used to.
- You are turning up the volume on the TV or radio above the level where others typically listen.
- You can hear people talk, but you have difficulty understanding the words.
- You frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
- You can’t always hear the doorbell or telephone clearly.
- Family, colleagues and friends suggest you might have a hearing problem.
- It has become difficult to understand a speaker at a business meeting or service.
- It is especially difficult to hear women or children speak.
- You often hear a ringing or buzzing in your ears.
- You might notice a slight muffling of sound after noise exposure.
- It can be difficult to hear or understand people when you leave a noisy area.